CzechMate

Could anyone please chime in on this bumper made by GSI being sold on Amazon? There isn't much info online about this company or on any of the many bumpers they make and sell on Amazon. There are a few reviews on Amazon about GSI and the bumpers they make but not many. It appears GSI is a specialists of making clones/copies of other existing company bumpers for just a fraction of the cost. This particular bumper that I'm interested in is only $399, the original of this bumper is made by company called VPR 4x4 and they are selling them around the $1300. So as you can see its very attractive for me and others to consider and get the knock off version from Amazon for just $399. Thanx much to all in advance for input on this. If anyone actually owns this model or any other GSI made bumpers please chime in. Here is the link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...A3KHJ9RP2SS4T8

ShutterBug

These are likely made in China using substandard steel. Probably some of the same people that were kicked out of SEMA for selling counterfeit parts.

You can do what you want, and what fits your budget, and you're intended purpose. I would question how well it may be engineered to withstand the forces of off road abuse or the strains of a winch, it is only 5/32" steel.

But I have no interest in buying something from a company that steals their designs from American companies. It's one thing when a company creates their own designs and they are manufactured overseas. It's something else when they don't even bother innovating and cheat hard working Americans out of jobs. But I also understand that good design, workmanship and materials comes at a cost, sometimes it's better to get what you really want rather than skimping.

CzechMate

Shutterbug, thanx for your input. Since posting this I have received a reply from the bumper manufacturer (GSI) via Amazon saying that the bumpers are indeed manufacturerd in China, that they have a 1 year warranty (don't however know what that warranty includes or doesn't include) and that there is a 30 day return policy via Amazon. You can tell that the email reply to me from GSI was certainly written in poor English and does confirm that this isn't a US based distributor or manufacturer. Now the decision remaims...do I fork up the $399 and try my luck with this bumper or do I move on? Question...Is the 5/32 steel that this bumper is made out of not strong enough? Is this not a standard thickness in many other bumpers? Decisions, decisions, decisions.

shabbernigdo

i belive 3/16ths is the standard so its not a huge diff but the quality of the steel makes a diff as well.
Then there is the finish will it hold up well or just flake off and rust after a year or so.

Some people have had good luck with china bumpers some not so much so its kind of a crap shoot.

kbp810

The potential issues -

1. Minor - Powder coat likely was not applied correctly (not prepped) or low quality and will flake off quickly. Honestly though, I've seen high quality made in the US parts that had garbage powder coat jobs as well. Which is why I consider this "minor".

2. Major - garbage steel, garbage welds, and/or garbage hardware. This is the big problem - if you are buying this bumper just for looks, then whatever, it's your money and your jeep, do what you want. If you are buying this bumper thinking you are getting something functional, do yourself and everyone else you wheel with a favor, and don't. One day you will get stuck, and someone will need to give you a pull or a winch... best case, the steel bends/disforms; worst case, a weld breaks and your bumper flies off becoming a dangerous projectile. Just to add to this, if you do still buy this, and it comes with hardware... at the very least, throw that hardware in the garbage and head to your local hardware store to replace it.

If you're not married to this specific style, and don't mind painting or taking it to a local powder coat shop, you can find a high quality made in the US bumper for not too terribly much more than what you'd pay for that cheap knock off.

jakerjku

I too am interested in the GSI bumper but am curious about the quality. I like the design and style very much and I havent seen many bumpers like it that only weigh 56 lbs. I do also understand that you get what you pay for and the steel might be substandard... its a 50/50 risk. There are many off-road products that are made in china, and some are crap and some are good. Hoping someone who has a GSi bumper can chime in on their experience. for now, the research continues....

Canvas

For a couple hundred more you could go with a Crawler Conceptz or EVO, or Rock Hard front bumpers which are all made in America. Again just my humble opinion.

R/
Will

jakerjku

[QUOTE=Canvas;4266672]For a couple hundred more you could go with a Crawler Conceptz or EVO, or Rock Hard front bumpers which are all made in America. Again just my humble opinion.

R/
Will[/Q None of the manufacturers that you mentioned make a front bumper that compares with the design and look of the "Amazon" bumper. I completely agree with your statement but I'm having trouble finding a bumper thats made in the USA that matches the function, form, and style that I'm looking for. I found this bumpers on Amazon and their style and function immediately caught my eye. If I could find a USA made version of these bumpers, I'd buy it.

http://tinyurl.com/j3z62g7

http://tinyurl.com/j3jqsqe


Basically looking for- midwidth/crawler style, recessed winch, bully bar, and fog light holes.

Growlz

[QUOTE=jakerjku;4266818]LOD's Signature Mid is very similar to the linked bumpers.

Cutman

I bought an e-autogrilles bumper. Basically the eBay version and love mine.